Report cards sent home; virtual academy spring registration opens

Decatur County Schools notified families on Jan. 9 that report cards were being sent home from Riverside High School and that district calendar and registration updates were in effect. The district’s live feed post included a calendar notice about schedule changes and a reminder that registration for the Decatur County Virtual Academy for the spring semester is open.

Families of middle school students and Riverside High School students were instructed to contact school staff to apply for the virtual program. Out-of-district applicants were told to call the district office and submit a 250-word essay as part of their application. Those procedural details are key for anyone considering the virtual option or tracking grades and schedules for this semester.

For local households, the immediate impact is straightforward: check backpacks and school communications for the physical report card and note any schedule adjustments your school flagged. Report cards inform class placement decisions, eligibility for programs, and are a primary record families and counselors use to plan for the rest of the school year. The virtual academy registration window provides a classroom alternative for students who need or prefer remote learning for the spring term, but the application steps differ by residency and school level.

The message also raises practical equity concerns that Decatur County residents should weigh. Requiring out-of-district applicants to call the district office and write a 250-word essay could create obstacles for families without reliable phone service, flexible work hours, or strong English literacy supports. Similarly, asking in-district middle and high school students to contact school staff assumes parents and students already have strong lines of communication with the building-level team. Those assumptions can leave behind families who face language barriers, transportation limits, or limited internet access.

From a public health and continuity-of-learning perspective, the availability of a virtual academy can be an important option for students with illness-related absences or household health risks, allowing them to remain academically engaged without falling behind. At the same time, the district and community partners will need to ensure access to devices, broadband, and application assistance so that the choice does not widen educational disparities.

Our two cents? Check your student’s backpack and email right away, call your school or the district office if you’re considering the virtual academy, and ask for help with the application or essay if you need it. If language or access is a concern, reach out early so staff can point you to supports.